HAVING BEEN regional manager for a busy West Region of Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs now for more than three years, a slight career change and new challenge has come my way and I have recently taken on the role as development manager.

The enthusiasm of our members across the country from Orkney to the Borders still amazes me, but most importantly, excites me!

I'm currently living with my parents at Over Dalserf Farm, near Larkhall, the farm my grandparents bought in 1953 after leaving the Paisley area.

Having milked pedigree Holsteins at the farm for more than 60 years, we have recently moved our herd of 200 to a new dairy set up near Stonehouse where both of my older brothers are heavily involved.

Without recalling harvest delays or farm gate prices and without disclosing my views on newly-elected members of Jeremy Corbyn's Shadow Cabinet, all I'd like to point out is the new found passion for nationwide campaigns are refreshing to see!

Witnessing a Massey Ferguson parked up in Buchanan Street Glasgow for publicity purposes, you know someone's either gone very wrong dropping the wife off or that the farming community are warming to educating the public better, highlighting reasons that farming deserves their support.

Focusing now on the development of clubs, I'm assigning myself to work on a number of projects with direct links to the agricultural community across Argyll and the islands, to fully understand the issues facing farmers both old and young.

The future for farming will be extremely challenging, with issues such LFASS and EID being top of the list and ensuring a smooth delivery of the SRDP.

It feels like the correct time for a push on Young Farmer club set ups, re-establishments and targeting new areas. Social networking is crucial for bringing isolated individuals together and in many cases forging friendships which will last a lifetime.

With excellent work from charities like RSABI, support is being provided for the well-being of elder members of farming families and it's important that SAYFC continue to ease the pressures of today's youth working at home.

Young Farmers' clubs or junior agricultural clubs occasionally forget that they are charities themselves because they compete, socialise and travel.

When caught up in the midst of YF festivities it becomes easy to forget you are continually learning new skills and developing confidence along the way!

The population of Argyll and Bute Council area is projected to decrease by 13% over the next 25 years, highlighting the importance to reduce levels of rural isolation felt by young people.

Not forgetting the importance of targeting rural communities, I'll soon be directing attention to those outwith. Visiting other similar charities, speaking to college and school groups and working alongside local communities are all tasks I hope to achieve positive feedback from.

With young people over the age of 16 spending nearly 20 hours a week online, Scotland's youth are fast forgetting the art of talking.

In my experience, I know plenty of Young Farmers over the age of 16 who could spend 20 hours a week talking!

Nonetheless, I always encourage members to think and speak for themselves. With members chairing meetings, giving votes of thanks and taking part in competitions throughout the calendar year including speechmaking, debates, drama and those dreaded stockjudging reasons; it's a massive part in their personal development and potential future career growth.

This week, I attended the Hill Farming Conference, in Oban, and next week will give talks to both Argyll College UHI, in Campbeltown, and at Islay High School ... more trips to add to my list.

I've visited some amazing places, viewed some unbelievable sights and met lots of new people. Although the task in hand is to engage with the younger generation, I can't help but enjoy hearing stories from 'days gone by' from those less young!

Achievements, memories and friendships made through our association all make for a proud heritage for many. I'm often told that our previous generations were more polite, respectable and better citizens... I'm not as sure. (Their stories just never made it to Facebook!)

I recently chaired a meeting in Brodick to discuss aims for re-establishing Arran YFC and the keen 14-30 year olds on the island are planning for future events and activities!

Three months into my current post, it's encouraging to see five clubs within the Argyll District, two of which were established late last year and I am proud to be working alongside them and their members, seeing first-hand what it means to people to try new challenges.

Since visiting clubs in Campbeltown, North Argyll, Ardnamurchan, Tiree and Islay, I've discovered how entrepreneurial some 'youngsters' can be and additionally how supportive tight communities are.

I have been overwhelmed by the support shown from agricultural show societies in the Western Isles and Argyllshire and from NFUS.

People take different views on what they can gain from Young Farmers, some take part in everything with very few nights in the house and some fit the odd night out with friends around a busy working schedule or other interests.

Whatever your involvement - enjoy it, achieve as much you wish and make memories that will last a lifetime.